In video, Kirk urges action on Ill. credit rating

The Republican senator does not spell out what action he thinks is necessary. State officials are deadlocked over how to lower pension costs, which are a major factor in the state's declining credit ratings.

As a federal official, Kirk has no formal role in fixing the state's financial problems. But in the video released Tuesday, he says the problems affect everyone in Illinois.

Kirk suffered a major stroke in January and is now undergoing physical rehabilitation. Kirk says he talks to his staff several times a day about key issues and gets email updates from the Senate's Republican leader.